WTTC calls for stronger public-private ties for a resilient tourism sector
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In 2025, the sector contributed a record USD 11.6 trillion to the global economy, equivalent to 9.8% of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs worldwide. That is one in every nine jobs.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to strengthen the resilience of global Travel & Tourism and ensure its future growth delivers lasting benefits for destinations and local communities.
At a recent public forum, WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara highlighted the importance of preparedness, leadership and coordinated action in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Drawing on WTTC’s research into more than 100 crises, including 9/11, the global financial crisis, geopolitical tensions, wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, Guevara described travel & tourism as the world’s most resilient sector, one that has consistently overcome challenges, adapted to change and moved forward.
In 2025, the sector contributed a record USD 11.6 trillion to the global economy, equivalent to 9.8% of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs worldwide. That is one in every nine jobs.
Guevara highlighted WTTC’s eight global strategic priorities, agreed with its members following an extensive consultation process carried out over several months, including more than 200 interviews with CEOs and industry leaders. Approved by WTTC’s Executive Committee, the priorities reflect the collective perspectives of the global travel & tourism private sector and provide a shared agenda for the sector’s future.
Guevara emphasised that delivering these priorities depends on strong public-private collaboration. She stressed that partnerships must be established before a crisis occurs, enabling governments and businesses to share information, coordinate decisions and respond more quickly and effectively when challenges arise.
Guevara also said, “Travel & Tourism has shown time and again its extraordinary resilience, and that gives us a strong foundation to build on. When governments and the private sector plan together, we can anticipate challenges rather than simply respond to them. Our ambition goes beyond recovery: together, we can build a stronger, more resilient sector that protects our natural and cultural assets, creates opportunities for local communities and delivers long-term value for destinations around the world.”
WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism will contribute USD 11.9 trillion to global GDP in 2026, its highest level on record, and is expected to grow faster than the wider global economy. International arrivals are also forecast to increase by 29.8 million, representing annual growth of 1.9%.
These figures show the continued global desire to travel and the important opportunities ahead for the sector. Guevara noted that the task now is to turn this momentum into lasting progress by strengthening preparedness, ensuring communities benefit and making growth sustainable.
